PGE Turow adds size with Lauderdale

PGE Turow improved its frontcourt for the upcoming Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds by inking big man Dallas Lauderdale to a one-year deal, the club announced Friday. Lauderdale (2.03 meters, 22 years old) just finished his college career at Ohio State University, where he averaged 4.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 37 NCAA games last season. Lauderdale, nicknamed "Fort" due to his shot blocking and defensive skills, helped Ohio St. to win the Big Ten tournament in each of the last two seasons. He was also chosen to the Big Ten all-defensive team in 2010. Lauderdale will now try to help Turow to reach the Euroleague through the Qualifying Round, which starts with a tough do-or-die showdown against Russian powerhouse BC Khimki Moscow Region.